The struggle of the Tokyo Olympics with pandemic security protocols: NPR

MARTINEZ, HOST:

The Olympics are underway in Tokyo. Now the opening ceremony has not yet begun, but some of the competitions have begun, including the U.S. women’s soccer match between Sweden. However, it is certainly not a normal year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. NPR’s Tom Goldman is in Tokyo, covering us for the 13th Olympics. And I know it’s early, Tom, but how does Tokyo compare so far?

TOM GOLDMAN, BYLINE: Well, this is weird, A, weird far from what I’ve experienced. Usually this week before the opening ceremony of the Olympics in the host city is this rumor. There is anticipation. There are a lot of visual reminders that this massive event is about to begin. And I just don’t see it. My NPR colleague and I are now granted a four-day quarantine when we landed in Tokyo. But the first impressions are that it’s terribly quiet to run games. Some related to Japanese dissatisfaction, you can say, about these games. We’ve heard a lot of polls showing that the majority of the population here just doesn’t want these Olympics.

MARTINEZ: And the silence you mentioned – because of COVID restrictions?

GOLDMAN: Oh yes. Absolutely. There it is. That’s a big reason. For those few fans who can attend some of the events, there is no cheering, singing or singing. Most events don’t have any fans. There are plans to play some sound in places. But it’s interesting. Today, Japan started the Olympics with a big softball win from Australia, 8-1. The Japanese won. A report from Fukushima Stadium said that when Japanese players hit home, you could only hear buzzing cicadas and polite applause from the team staff.

MARTINEZ: Maybe the cicadas are encouraging. I mean, can’t take …

GOLDEN: (Laughter).

MARTINEZ: … From the table. Now, of course, a pandemic has a big impact that it calls – at least some call it a pandemic Olympics. How do you see it, Tom, playing other than no spectators?

GOLDEN: Well, one big thing is that the number of positive tests is increasing every day. To date, the Tokyo Games have been joined by at least 79 people who have tested positive for the coronavirus since July 1, including at least six athletes. At the IOC meeting in Tokyo, the head of the World Health Organization said that these Olympics should not be judged on the number of positive cases, but on the treatment of infections. There are strict protocols, so far no known outbreaks. But, you know, I have to tell you, A, our personal experience has led some of us to question the promises we all keep hearing about the safety of everyone at the Olympics. We have been tested daily. The process of collecting our tests has been uneven. And we’ve talked to other journalists who, as a rule, have been able to talk their way into quarantine when they get to Japan.

MARTINEZ: Yikes. Clear. Now in the second yaks – double – you mentioned that there are games going on. Opening Game – The opening match between the U.S. women’s soccer team and Sweden took place.

GOLDMAN: It certainly did, and what an amazing thing. First place, double defending World Cup champion U.S. women’s national football team – you know, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and the gang – Sweden will beat them three levels in the first match of the tournament. Remember that Sweden dropped out of the 2016 U.S. Olympics, denying the U.S. medal. So Sweden apparently has an American number at the moment. It’s only the first game, and the United States has time to recover. But of course, it’s not a good way to start when they’re trying to become the first women’s team to follow a World Championship victory with an Olympic gold medal.

MARTINEZ: U.S. women will play New Zealand on Saturday. NPR sports correspondent Tom Goldman in Tokyo. Tom, thank you very much.

GOLDEN: You are welcome, A.

(TOE: “TREMOLO + DELAY”)

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